The John Buchan Story
Volunteer-run museum on the ground floor of the Chambers Institution in Peebles about the life and writing of author John Buchan.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The John Buchan Story is a small museum in Peebles about John Buchan, the author of The Thirty-Nine Steps. Buchan was also a historian, journalist, politician, soldier and public servant, and he ended his career as Governor General of Canada. The museum looks at his novels beyond his best-known thriller, at his public roles, and at his family ties to Peebles and the Borders.
The museum began in 1983 as the John Buchan Centre in Broughton, in a former church where Buchan's father had been the minister. It closed there in 2011 because of the cost of looking after the building, and it reopened in Peebles the following year. It now occupies a ground-floor room of the Chambers Institution on the High Street, which it shares with the town's library, museum and gallery.
The displays contain personal items, family photographs, books and papers of John Buchan and his close relatives. His sister Anna, who wrote as O. Douglas, has a prominent place. One cabinet holds a piece of the original 39th step. The museum is run by volunteers on behalf of a charitable trust, and it also keeps an archive that can be consulted by arrangement.
Highlights
- Life and legacy of John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps
- Personal items, photographs and books from the Buchan family
- Section on his sister Anna Buchan, who wrote as O. Douglas
- Piece of the original 39th step
- Archive access by arrangement and free entry
Permanent exhibition
- The John Buchan Story – Cabinets with personal items, photographs, books and papers on John Buchan, his novels and public career, and his sister Anna Buchan.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- John Buchan Heritage Museum Trust (charity SC042519)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free. A donation is appreciated to help with the work of the museum.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is a ground-floor room entered from the street. There is a small step at the entrance, and a ramp can be provided on request. Dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Border Bus X62 from Edinburgh bus station leaves at 5 and 35 minutes past the hour; the journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
There is limited parking on the High Street. The museum recommends the car park by Edinburgh Road, about five minutes on foot, which is free from Monday to Friday.
The museum is a two-minute walk down the High Street from the bus stop.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Groups and visitors who want to use the archive can arrange a visit outside the normal opening times. |
|---|
